[JPT]

The DA 50mm 1.8 was in the shops today in Japan, so I went to have look, hoping to answer a few questions people might have. The shop assistant let me put my memory card in, so I got a few pictures. The design is almost identical to the DA 35mm 2.4 from the side. It feels extremely light.

Does it have quick shift?
There seemed to be some conflicting information about this. Unfortunately, it doesn't do quick shift. On the other hand, one consolation is that it is very nice to focus in manual mode. It had more damping than the DA 35mm 2.4 displayed next to it.

Is it the same design as the FA 50mm 1.7?
Here is a picture of the front and rear of the lens. It looks to me like the rear element is quite large. I saw a picture of the rear of the FA 50mm 1.7 in the web and it looks fairly similar. I wonder if anyone can confirm. Is it likely to cover full frame?



What is the sharpness and bokeh like?
I was a bit restricted here because the lens and camera were attached to alarm cables which made it difficult to even get it up to eye level. I don't think it is a very good sample, but here you are anyway. I made a crop of the in-focus and out-of-focus areas. This shot was at f1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 400 as a JPEG. I guess the camera was in vibrant setting.

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Last edited by JPT; 07-20-2012 at 08:48 AM.

[JinDesu]

I think the crop looks good - the Pentax logo is in focus and shows good sharpness at the P. Everything else besides that P is slightly out of focus and has the minor color shifting.

The shot is a bit overbright, and as a JPEG will not give us the ultimate example of it's sharpness. My hopes is that it's nice and sharp in the center at F1.8, but sharp across the frame by at most F2.8. If so - it is going to be one sexy sexy lens.

[elpolodiablo]

The OOF area does look a bit like F50 1.7 that I used to have...

Thanks for sharing.

[Docrwm]

Thanks, so my post about it being available 7/20 was right. Excellent! Now, I wonder when it will be shipping in the US?!?

I am not surprised that it does not have quickshift, but am pleased that the dampening of the MF is better than the 35/2.4.

Very encouraging post, I look forward to more information now that the lens can be in the hands of Pentaxians!

[rawr]

There is a pic of some bokeh samples from the lens (f1.8 to f8) up on Photoble today:
Image link: http://pentax.photoble.net/image/2012/07/iUkfXkjPxCcsG1r/120720007.jpg

Full info link: http://pentax.photoble.net/?exif=120720007

[Docrwm]

There is a pic of some bokeh samples from the lens (f1.8 to f8) up on Photoble today:
http://pentax.photoble.net/image/2012/07/iUkfXkjPxCcsG1r/120720007.jpg

Thanks for the link. Data is coming in pretty fast now that its actually out in stores (at least in Japan).

A quick check of the Big 3 indicates that the lens is still listed as a "New Item, Available for pre-order" in the US.

[JinDesu]

Looks circular up to F2.8, then it gets messy.

[JPT]

Looking at the database, the FA 50 1.7 had 6 aperture blades. This one clearly has 7 from the close-up and the bokeh samples rawr linked, so that's one difference.

This lens series seems like really good value. I with they'd make a 24mm. It's such a useful field of view. Unfortunately, I don't use 50mm much, so it's quite a way down my list of priorities.

[JinDesu]

Looking at the database, the FA 50 1.7 had 6 aperture blades. This one clearly has 7 from the close-up and the bokeh samples rawr linked, so that's one difference.

This lens series seems like really good value. I with they'd make a 24mm. It's such a useful field of view. Unfortunately, I don't use 50mm much, so it's quite a way down my list of priorities.

I agree with the 24mm. I've found my 35 F2.4 to be just a bit too long for walking around. On the other hand, I absolutely adore my Sigma 50 F1.4 for walking around.

[Docrwm]

Looking at the database, the FA 50 1.7 had 6 aperture blades. This one clearly has 7 from the close-up and the bokeh samples rawr linked, so that's one difference.

This lens series seems like really good value. I with they'd make a 24mm. It's such a useful field of view. Unfortunately, I don't use 50mm much, so it's quite a way down my list of priorities.

These are rounded also, I believe that is a difference as well.

[snake]

Looking at the database, the FA 50 1.7 had 6 aperture blades. This one clearly has 7 from the close-up and the bokeh samples rawr linked, so that's one difference.

This lens series seems like really good value. I with they'd make a 24mm. It's such a useful field of view. Unfortunately, I don't use 50mm much, so it's quite a way down my list of priorities.

This is correct. I have an F50 1.7. Element dimensions seem about the same from the pic, but one never knows for sure unless there's a side by side and shooting comparison. The DA50 will likely be a nice performer.

I really wish Pentax would make a nice, fast 24 and a 35 to complement. The DA35 isn't fast enough for a ~50mm equivalent.

[NKK]

Thank you for the pics i'm really looking forward to this lens

[aurele]

The DA35 isn't fast enough for a ~50mm equivalent.

It's only half stop slower than the FA 35mm f2.


Thanks for this fast review

[Alizarine]

Thanks JPT for quickly answering our questions and this nice preview!

At least it's confirmed now that it doesn't have QS... (wished it had lol)

and yes I agree - large rear element right there. I hope someone with an MZ-S in Japan do some shots with it soon....

wait, just another question: how about the focus throw? is it as short as the DA 35's?

[mickey]

JPT, where did you see the lens?
I went into Yodobashi Camera today and it wasn't on display.